Apparel for a foot with multiofitting and multi-purpose capabilities

ABSTRACT

An article of apparel for a foot comprising a stocking, the stocking providing multi-fitting and multi-purpose capabilities such that a first fit is available when the stocking is worn on the foot with the first coverage exposed and a second fit is available when worn with a second coverage exposed and wherein the stocking is adapted to be exposed when worn with a shoe. Additionally, the stocking when worn with a shoe provides a multi-purpose embellishment of the shoe

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article of clothing and more particularity apparel for a foot with multi-fitting and multi-purpose capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

Consumer trends in footwear have drastically changed over the years. Nowadays there are a vast many styles and functions for our shoes. For example some recent styles of shoes include peep-toes, d'orsay heels, ballet flats, slingbacks, and T-strap. Various functions of shoes include, for example, formal, athletic, casual, and professional/work. In some instances the shoes are worn without any foot coverings such as socks, nylons, or stocking apparel. However, in many cases there is a need or desire to wear foot coverings.

A particular design of a shoe may require or desire a foot covering to provide a more secure fit and prevent slipping of the foot within the shoe. For example, in the case of high heels or d′orsay heels where there is limited means of securing the shoe to the foot, a foot covering may be desired in order to prevent the foot from sliding. Likewise, when a shoe is ill-fitting or made of a particular material such as leather or plastic that may be uncomfortable to a bare foot, a foot covering can be utilized to provide additional comfort.

In other cases where the shoe is enclosed an individual might want a protective foot covering for the enclosed area in order to prevent friction between the foot and shoe. Additionally, increased moisture or certain behavior of the shoe and foot, such as in the case of running or other sports, can lead to rubbing and eventually blistering of the foot. Thus the foot covering is provided for protection and moisture absorption. In yet other cases a foot covering is desired to provide warmth to the individual's feet when worn with shoes and in many cases without shoes.

Conventional foot covering address many of these issues. However, the problem with conventional foot coverings is that the typical sock, nylons or stocking is capable of only a single-fit and/or single-purpose. Previous embodiments of socks, nylons or stockings provided single-fitting, single-purpose capabilities such that there is a single and limited way to wear or use the foot covering. In these cases the socks, nylons or stocking needed to be designed and provided to be compatible or well-suited for a particular shoe in order to achieve the desired foot covering fit and purpose. However, practically speaking given the vast many shoe designs and footwear purposes it is not always feasible. If a foot covering provides adequate coverage for one shoe the foot covering will fail with respect to a different shoe. Thus an individual is required to acquire multiple foot coverings for a variety of shoes and footwear purposes. Thus there is a need to provide a multi-fitting foot covering capable of adapting and being suitable for more than one shoe style or purpose.

Additionally, with the ever growing number of functional and occasional shoes and the cost of shoes growing increasingly more expensive, individuals are constantly having to spend time and money in order to acquire multiple functional and occasional shoes in order to coincide with their various use functions and occasional needs. The cost associated with an individual obtaining multiple pairs of shoes for the various purposes and functions can get very expensive. Thus there is an increasing need to make shoes more versatile and adaptable for various functions and occasions and clothing apparel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this invention is to provide a foot covering that provides multi-fitting and multi-purpose capabilities. Specifically, the claimed invention provides a foot covering that has multiple-fitting capability in order to reflect a variety of shoe styles in combination with an individual's fitting preferences. Additionally, the claimed invention provides multi-purpose capabilities such as multiple accessorizing effects for shoes in order to alter the appearance of a shoe and provide a new look and feel of the shoe when worn with the foot covering apparel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to one multi-fitting and multi-purpose embellishment embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 b illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a second multi-fitting, multi-purpose embellishment embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 c illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a third multi-fitting, multi-purpose embellishment embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to one multi-fitting aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a second multi-fitting aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 c illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a third multi-fitting aspect effect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 d illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a fourth multi-fitting, multi-purpose effect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of such embodiments.

There are a vast many reasons why individuals wear foot coverings, some of the reasons include: they can be worn for professional purposes, they can be worn for recreational purposes, entertainment purpose, comfort and protection, worn to hide bad pedicures, or to lift the spirit of person with deformities of foot, they can be worn by women who like to dance in bare feet. Additionally, foot coverings can complete the wardrobe and can add a touch of theme to an event or garment.

The problem with conventional foot coverings is that the typical sock, nylons or stocking provides both single-fitting and single-purpose capabilities such that there is a single and limited way to wear the foot covering. In these cases the socks, nylons or stocking must be purchased for a single limited purpose and with a single-fitting foot covering result. Similarly, if a foot covering provides adequate coverage for one shoe design, the foot covering will fail with respect to a different shoe design. However, practically speaking, given the vast many shoe designs and vast many purposes for foot coverings it would be advantageous to have a multi-fitting foot covering capable of adapting and being suitable for more than one fitting-capability and purpose.

Embodiments of this invention provide a foot covering, herein after referred to as a stocking, constructed of an appropriate material sufficient to ad in providing comfort, security and protection of a wearer's foot when worn within a shoe. In some embodiments of the invention the stocking is constructed of appropriate material to provide a decorative or enhancing effect of the foot and/or shoe. Thus, providing accessorizing effects for shoes in order to alter the appearance of a shoe and provide a new look and feel of the shoe when worn with the foot covering apparel.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-fitting multi-purpose stocking such that one stocking provides an assortment of foot coverage to accommodate different shoe construction. In one aspect of the invention the stocking is “reversible” such that the stocking can be worn ‘right side up” or “right side down”. This aspect allows the wear to choose the coverage of the stocking that best suits their shoe construction as well as purpose. In many cases the cut of the shoe or the desired purpose for the stocking vary from shoe to shoe and occasion to occasion and the current invention allows for the wearer to select the most appropriate or desired fit of the stocking. Embodiments of the present invention are achieved in part by providing a stocking that is adapted such that the wearer's heel is exposed, thus facilitating in the “reversibility” and multi-fitting capabilities of the stocking.

In another aspect of the invention the stocking is provided with two distinct finishing edges. Therefore the “reversible” stocking provides one finishing edge when worn “right side up” and a different finishing edge when worn “right side down”. The two finished edges allowing for multiple decorative edge effect and comfort. Other sewn finishes could create discomfort for the wearer. The two finishing edges create completely different looks for both practicality and optional visual appearance.

In another aspect of the current invention an interchangeable fastening means is used to securely fasten the stocking to the wearer. The fastening means securely fastens the stocking around the back of the heel of the foot while still allowing the heel to be exposed. According to one aspect of the current invention the fastening means is a combination of an elastic strap connected to the stocking which loops around the back of the heel and an adjustable removable “drawstring” ribbon. The ribbon can be used to provide added security to the elastic strap or in cases where the elastic strap is uncomfortable or too loose the sole means of securing the stocking to the foot. The ribbon being removable and “drawstring” like can be laced and tied in multiple ways, thus providing additional multi-fitting capabilities.

In other aspects of the invention the fastening means can be a completely attached strap, thus the wearer must slip their foot into fastening means. In another embodiment the fastening means can be two laces attached to the stocking which can be tied around the back of the heel.

In FIG. 1 the stocking 100 comprises a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion being 102 smaller in length from the foot opening 108 to the toe 106 than the second portion 104 and both the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 being adapted to leave the heel of the foot uncovered when worn. One aspect of the invention is that the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 is adapted such that a segment the first portion 102 or a segment of the second portion 104 can be exposed when worn with a shoe.

According to one embodiment of the invention the first portion 102 and second portion 104 is one continuous piece of fabric. In this embodiment the fabric is folded over at the toe 106, dividing the fabric into two portions, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104. In one aspect of the invention two side seams 110 connect the first portion 102 to the second portion 104. The two side seams 110 can be sewn from the foot opening 108 of the stocking 100 towards the toe 106 slightly curving towards the toe 106. The two side seams 110 providing an adequate foot opening 108 in the stocking. According to one embodiment the seams are sewn by a narrow machine.

In another embodiment of the invention the first portion 202 and second portion 204 are two separate pieces of fabric. In FIG. 2 the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 are attached by at least one seam 210. The seam 210 connects the first portion 202 to the second portion 204 exclusively with the exception of foot opening 208. The seam 210 provides an adequate foot opening 208 in the stocking.

A stocking as disclosed in the present invention can be constructed from a wide variety of fabric and materials. According to one embodiment the fabric used for said stocking is a Stretch lace. For example cotton Nylon, Lycra or a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the invention a stretch lace wherein the fiber content is a combination of Nylon Lycra is used. According to one aspect of the invention the fabric is cut and sewn together such that the stretch in fabric goes around the foot or left to right 112. Having the stretch in fabric around the foot gives added comfort varying foot widths and toes and can assist in the ability to be produced as one size fits all. Providing a one size fits all eliminates the need to make stocking for each individual foot size as well as allows for sharing and easy exchange of the stocking among individuals.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 the first portion is 102 smaller in length from the foot opening 108 to the toe 106 than the second portion 104, thus providing the wearer with multiple fitting capabilities. For example, the stocking 100 when worn on the foot with the first portion 102 exposed provides a first coverage fit 118 to the wearer. Likewise when the stocking 100 is worn on the foot with the second portion 104 exposed a second coverage fit 120 is provided to the wearer. FIG. 5 illustrates the schematic view of the foot apparel when stocking 500 is worm on the foot with the second portion 504 exposed and a second coverage fit 520 is provided to the wearer. Furthermore, the first coverage fit 118 and the second coverage fit 520 then can provide varying segments of stocking exposure when worn with a shoe (hereinafter referred to as coverage exposure). The varying coverage exposure provides a wearer with multiple fitting capabilities when wearing shoes. The degree of coverage exposure can vary depending on the wearer's desired look.

FIG. 3 a illustrates one of the multiple-fitting capabilities of the present invention. In this example the wearer is wearing the stocking 300 with the first portion 302 exposed. When the stocking 300 is worn with the particular shoe 320 the result is coverage exposure 334.

In FIG. 3 b the wearer is wearing the stocking 300 with the second portion 304 exposed. When the stocking 300 is worn with the particular shoe 320 the result is coverage exposure 336.

In FIG. 3 c the wearer is wearing the stocking 300 with the first portion 302 exposed. When the stocking 300 is worn with the particular shoe 326 the result is coverage exposure 338.

Additionally, the wearer might not want any coverage exposure thus by providing multiple fitting capabilities of the stocking 300 the wearer can more easily use the same pair of stockings 300 in different shoes and shoe styles to achieve both practicality use and optional visual appearance.

Another aspect of the multi-fitting capabilities of the present invention is the two separate finishing edges. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the invention the first portion 102 has a first finishing edge 114 and the second portion 104 has a second finishing edge 116. FIG. 5 illustrates the schematic view of the foot apparel when stocking 500 is worn on the foot with the second portion 504 exposed and a second finishing edge 516. The two finished edges allowing for multiple decorative edge effect and comfort. Other sewn finish could create discomfort for the wearer.

Additionally, the first finished edge 114 allows for different decorative edges to be exposed when worn with a shoe and the second finishing edge 116. The two finishing edges 114 and 116 create completely different look for both practicality and optional visual appearance. For example, finishing edge 114 is more feminine and flirty with its lace patterns and picots edged elastics. This appearance might be more suited to a wearer for a social event or evenings out. On the other hand finishing edge 1116 is more classic and simple with its clean cut lace lines and is therefore more suitable for the office or a business environment.

Yet another aspect of the multi-fitting capabilities of the present invention is the interchangeable fastening means 132 used to securely fasten the stocking to the wearer. The fastening means securely fastens the stocking around the back of the heel of the wearer while still allowing the heel of the wearer to be exposed. According to one embodiment the fastening means 132 is connected to the stocking 100 at the first portion 102. An overlock can be used for the stitching is used to secure the fastening means to the first portion.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and according to one embodiment, the fastening means 132 is connected at the first portion 102, along the foot opening 108, and reconnected at a second location to produce a loop, thus the wearer must slip their foot into fastening means 132 in order to secure the stocking 100 around the back of their heel. A Lock stitch can be used to secure two ends of the fasten means. Therefore according to this aspect of the invention the stocking 100 when worn on the foot with the first portion 102 exposed has a fastening means 132 around foot across the back of the heel and over the top of the arch. In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4 d when the stocking 400 is worn on the foot with the second portion 404 exposed the fastening means 432 is worn around the foot across the back of the heel and under the foot. Thus providing multiple fitting capabilities for the fastening means. The multiple fitting capabilities of the fasten means allows a wearer to choose which fastening means is more secure and comfortable.

According to one aspect of the current invention the fastening means is a combination of picots edged elastics connected to the stocking which loops around the back of the heel and an adjustable removable “drawstring” ribbon. The ribbon being removable and “drawstring” like and can be laced and tied in multiple ways, thus providing additional multi-fitting capabilities. In one aspect of the invention the fastening means is can be fastened to be exposed when worn with a shoe. The combination of picots edged elastics, colorful ribbons and bows provides an enhancing and decorative appearance.

The fastening means can be one or a combination of any number of materials. According to one embodiment the fastening means is a combination of nylon with rubber approximately 9 mm in width. The combination of elastic and multi-decorative ribbon adds stability for a one size fits all.

In another embodiment the fastening means can be left with two unattached ends which can be tied to produce a secure fit. In other embodiments the fastening means can be lace or ribbon alone in order or provide increased comfort for those wearers that do find elastic comfortable. According to this embodiment the fasten means has two ends which can be tied around the heel or ankle

According to one aspect of the invention the ribbon is single faced or double faced 6 mm satin ribbon. The ribbon is 100% polyester and comes in a variety of colors. The ribbon acts as both a fastener for reinforcement or as an embellishment. The Ribbon can be laced in three ways: by a bow at top of foot, a bow on back of heel or around the ankle. Thus providing multi-purpose embellishments as well as multiple fits to secure the stocking to the foot.

FIG. 4 a illustrates one of the multiple-purpose capabilities of the present invention. In this example the wearer is wearing the stocking 400 with the first portion 402 exposed and fasten means 432

FIG. 4 b illustrates one of the multiple-purpose capabilities of the present invention. In this example the wearer is wearing the stocking 400 with the first portion 402 exposed and fasten means 434

FIG. 4 c illustrates one of the multiple-purpose capabilities of the present invention. In this example the wearer is wearing the stocking 400 with the first portion 402 exposed and fasten means 436

In FIG. 4 d the wearer is wearing the stocking 400 with the second portion 404 exposed and exposed and fasten means 434. 

1. An article of apparel for a foot comprising: a stocking having a first portion and a second portion, and at least a first seam connecting the first portion to the second portion, providing an adequate opening in said stocking for said foot; wherein both the first portion and the second portion is adapted to leave the heel of the foot uncovered; wherein the sock further comprises a fastening mean for securing the stocking on the foot and said fasting means is connected to said stocking at least a first end point; and wherein the stocking provides a multi-fitting feature such that a first coverage fit is available when the stocking is worn on the foot with the first portion exposed and a second coverage fit is available when worn with a second portion exposed.
 2. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the first portion further comprises a first coverage exposure when worn with a shoe and the second portion further comprise a second coverage exposure when worn with the shoe.
 3. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the first portion further comprises a first finishing edge and the second portion further comprise a second finishing edge.
 4. The article of apparel of claim 3 wherein the first finishing edge is different from the second finishing edge.
 5. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is connected at the first end point and reconnected at a second end point to produce a loop such that a wearer must slip their foot into the fastening means.
 6. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is combination of an elastic strap and an adjustable removable drawstring.
 7. The article of apparel of claim 7 wherein the drawstring is a ribbon.
 8. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the drawstring can be laced and tied at a front position of the stocking.
 9. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the drawstring can be laced and tied at a back heel position of the stocking.
 10. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the drawstring can be laced at a back heel position of the stocking and tied around an ankle.
 11. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is connected at the first end point and a second end point to such that a wearer must tie the fasten means to their foot.
 12. The article of claim 1 wherein the at least a first seam comprises a first side seam and a second side seam.
 13. An article of apparel for a foot comprising: a stocking having a first portion, a second portion, and at least a first seam connecting the first portion to the second portion and providing an adequate opening in said stocking for said foot; wherein a segment the first portion and the second coverage is adapted to be exposed when worn with a shoe; wherein the stocking further comprises a fastening mean for securing the stocking on the foot and said fasting means is connected to said stocking at least a first end point, and; wherein the stocking when worn with a shoe provides an multi-purpose embellishment of the shoe.
 14. The article of apparel of claim 11 wherein the wherein the stocking provides a multi-purpose embellishment such that a first embellishment is available when the stocking is worn with the first portion exposed and a second embellishment is available when worn with the second portion exposed.
 15. The article of apparel of claim 11 wherein the first portion further comprise a first coverage exposure when worn with a shoe and the second portion further comprise a second coverage exposure when worn with the shoe; and Wherein a first embellishment is available when the stocking is worn with the first coverage exposure exposed and a second embellishment is available when worn with a second coverage exposure exposed.
 16. The article of apparel of claim 11 wherein the first portion further comprises a first finishing edge and the second portion further comprise a second finishing edge; and Wherein that a first embellishment is available when the stocking is worn with the first finishing edge exposed and a second embellishment is available when worn with a second finishing edge exposed
 17. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is connected at the first end point and reconnected at a second end point to produce a loop such that a wearer must slip their foot into the fastening means.
 18. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is combination of an elastic strap and an adjustable removable drawstring.
 19. The article of apparel of claim 7 wherein the drawstring can be laced in multiple ways to provide a least 3 different embellishment effects.
 20. The article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is connected at the first end point and a second end point to such that a wearer must tie the fasten means to their foot. 